It was the springboard to a shift in my thinking; from fear to trust. From despair to hope. A knowing that if I brought my best self forward, things would work out.

Hanging out my own shingle as a consultant was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from the few clients I worked with. But early in the year, it became very clear that it wasn’t going to be sustainable, and I began looking for full-time work.

So as I was closing off a very successful campaign I’d been working on with an amazing group of people, I turned my attention to finding full-time work.

It was a trying time, in the sense that jobs in my area of expertise seemed to have dried up all of a sudden. I had a few bites here and there and even a few close calls to maybe jobs, but nothing panned out. Although I still had enough money to keep me going for a few months, my future was unsure.

Let’s just say that by the time April came, I was ready to do any kind of job. So I picked myself up by the boot straps and wrote the above message on my whiteboard to help me start every day on the right foot. A message that I read out loud every morning on the way to my coffee pot in the kitchen.

And then some promising opportunities started to come my way. A phone call from someone in Vancouver who heard of me from someone I had coffee with because someone else suggested we should meet, and another job posting that looked promising and finally another possibility to work with someone I hold in high regard and respect tremendously.

That last possibility moved to the top of my wish list and I am happy to say that’s the position I was offered and accepted.

So finally my dear friends, as promised, here’s my update.

On May 1st, I started my new job at Oxford House; an organization that provides homes for men and women in recovery. Oxford House has 31 homes across Calgary and Edmonton. Each home has 4-5 bedrooms and provides a safe and welcoming space for men and women who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

Oxford House has its beginnings in the United States with hundreds of homes throughout that country. Here in Canada, Oxford House was founded by the previous executive director who sadly passed away late last year . I am learning about him and the rich history of this incredible organization from the small group of people who make up the staff here.

A passionate staff, all of whom are also in recovery and some are even previous residents of Oxford House; deeply committed to helping others take responsibility for their recovery and make valuable contributions to their community.

How lucky am I to be part of something so amazing? I look forward to learning more about Oxford House and working within this dedicated team to build on the wonderful foundation that has already been laid.

The community-builder inside me is beside herself with joy.

I can’t wait to tell you more in the coming weeks and months!

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

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65 thoughts on “A New Chapter”

This new opportunity in life, my dear friend Diana, sounds as if it will both challenge and reward you every day. Congratulations. You will be helping people helps themselves. Bravo, Diana. Here’s to tremendous continued success for you and Oxford House. ❤

What a brilliant position for you and your talents and passion. You are well-suited for this and I wish you well. It also must be a relief to you to have found the security of permanent work. I wish you well in this new venture. Are you still continuing with ‘the other bottom line’ on the side?

Today I nominated you for a writing challenge. I know that you do not accept awards (neither do I) and so don’t feel you have to accept this challenge. I accepted it simply because I was in a bit of a writing hole and I thought it would give me a reason to begin writing again. Part of the challenge is to nominate someone every day and I wanted to acknowledge your cyber-friendship and support.
Thanks for always keeping up with my blog. I really appreciate it 🙂

I was going to give this shot Elizabeth. But after a little reality check, I realize I don’t have the time. Thanks for thinking of me though and for your beautiful friendship here in the blogosphere. ❤

Congrats Diana! That sounds like an amazing opportunity for both you and those you will work with. Sometimes a little patient and perseverance goes a long way. I understand being nervous about how you will continue to pay your bills while you are looking for the opportunities. I have had that struggle myself as of lately. Starting a business and trying to get clients can be tough. However I truly believe good things happen to good people (whether you are a religious person or simply believe in a higher power of the universe). Happy to see a good thing happening to you 🙂

The best post I’ve seen in a while, Diana. Congrats on the new job, but more than that, for the positive affirmation that you gave yourself ! So many good things come out of that kind of energy, you were so smart to recognize that fact. Bravo…and onward ! 💕 Van

Well done Diana. I like the way you visualised and were grateful, before you even received the job. This is a great example of our power and our ability to create. Congratulations, they are very blest to have you on their staff. 🙂

Diana, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, you will be a terrific asset to Oxford House (if you haven’t proven it already! 🙂 ). The job sounds like the ideal fit for you and I wish you only the best as you delve into this new chapter in your life. I know a couple of wonderful folks who work in similar positions in St. John’s, and I have enormous respect and admiration for anyone who is dedicated to helping the needy and the vulnerable in our society.
While I am sorry your consulting endeavor didn’t pan out as you had hoped, I am certain you will be a huge success in this new venture. ❤

Congratulations!!! Sounds like the perfect job for you. And great that you tried your own business– you learn from taking a risk, trying something new– so it’s not a failure, just a misdirection of talent. I too am starting a new chapter– or maybe it’s more like a return- going back to teaching in Sept. to the school I first started at over 20 years ago. This is 3/4 time, 4 days/week about 4/hrs/day, teaching creative writing to 7 th & 8th graders (12-14 years old). I dappled a bit in my own business ideas though never fully pursued them. I realize my biggest drawback is lack of self-promotion and to do any type of business you need to market yourself. So back to the classroom! Will be posting. Good luck in the new job and have fun! xoxox